Jan D Naccarato

On August 11, 2022, Jan Naccarato, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away surrounded by her family.

She leaves behind a legacy of educating children, love, generosity, compassion, and kindness. She will be forever missed by everyone that knew her.

Jan was born at Deaconess Hospital, in Spokane, Washington on November 26th, 1946, to Joseph and Frances Wallace. On many occasions she shared her birthday with Thanksgiving, which was quite befitting because we were so thankful to have her in our lives.

Jan graduated from West Valley High School in the Spokane Valley. After graduation she married the love of her life and best friend, Mike Naccarato. Together they raised three children, Mike, Ric, and Gina. They were married 57 years and enjoyed every day together starting each day with coffee, conversation, and laughs. They built a life and legacy that centered around family, love, and doing for others.

Jan attended Gonzaga University and Sisters of the Holy Names Fort Wright College, graduating with a BA in education with honors. She taught junior high school and elementary school in East Valley School District. She absolutely loved teaching children, giving them the gift of literacy while also building students’ self-esteem and making sure they felt loved. Jan was an educator that will never be forgotten because she cultivated a love of learning, and her students gained a sense of belonging by being in her classroom.

After retiring from teaching, she, her husband Mike, and daughter Gina opened The Market Gallery, an extension of The Farmer’s Market & Garden Center owned by her son’s Mike and Ric. The business gave her an opportunity to share her talents of gardening and decorating with the community. The garden, gift, and antique shop was a tremendous success and she enjoyed visiting with customers daily.

Jan’s passion for gardening was extensive. The family used to call her backyard “Janito” gardens because of the beautiful oasis she created for family and animal friends to enjoy.

Her biggest passion in life was her family. She deeply loved her children and grandchildren and established a home that was full of comfort and love. She was an excellent cook and superb baker. Every holiday meal was spectacular and her famous sugar cookies were a tradition that were looked forward to every year.

She cared deeply for animals and adopted numerous cats and dogs over the years and supported organizations that cared for animals. She loved the Oregon coast and spending time on the beach and searching for antiques.

She is survived by her husband Mike of 57 years, daughter Gina (Rusty) Naccarato-Keele, son Mike (Traci) Naccarato, grandchildren, Jenna Naccarato, Mikayla Naccarato, Jake Naccarato, Bo Naccarato, and Luke Naccarato and great-granddaughter Reagan Naccarato, brother Scott Wallace, and sister Sandy Overstreet. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Joseph and Frances Wallace and her beloved son, Ric Naccarato.

Family, friends, former students, and the Spokane Valley are all mourning the loss of a wonderful human being. Her generosity and love of other’s had a positive impact on so many lives.

We are comforted knowing that our dear Ricci will be waiting at the gates of heaven to welcome her home for eternal life.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in the Spokane Valley on Saturday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception in the church dining room. The Committal service is Monday, August 22, 2022,, 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mausoleum Chapel. 

Memorial donations suggested for Spokane Humane Society. To leave condolences for the family and share memories of Jan, please visit her Tribute Wall.